United Trims 5% of Flights as Jet Fuel Costs Surge on Middle East Tensions
United Airlines will cut about 5% of its scheduled flights and 3% of off-peak flights in Q2–Q3 2026, prioritizing red-eyes and low-traffic days, as surging jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict squeeze margins; the carrier expects to restore its full schedule by fall 2026, will not furlough workers, and plans to deliver 120 new aircraft while expanding Newark.